Introduction to Class 6 Science Chapter 2 Oxford Book Solutions: Components of Food

Class 6 Science Chapter 2 delves into the essential “Components of Food” that our bodies need to stay healthy and function properly. This chapter explores the various nutrients found in food, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and their roles in keeping us nourished. It also explains the importance of a balanced diet and how different foods contribute to our overall well-being.

In this solution guide, we provide detailed, step-by-step answers to all the questions Class 6 Science Chapter 2 Components of Food Oxford book Solutions . These solutions are designed to help students understand the importance of each nutrient, where they come from, and how they help in growth, energy production, and maintaining a healthy body. Whether it’s understanding the function of proteins in muscle development or the role of vitamins in immune health, this guide offers clear and concise explanations for every concept.

Class 6 Science Chapter 2 Components of Food Oxford book Solutions

1. Objective type questions.

A. Fill in the blanks with suitable words.

1. Plants store energy in the form of……….(starch/sugar).

2………….(Saturated/Unsaturated) fats are normally solid at room temperature. 2.

3. Our muscles, organs, and blood are made up of mostly………….(fats/proteins).

4. Deficiency diseases another. (can/cannot) be transmitted from one person to another

5. Deficiency of Vitamin C causes……….(scurvy/beriberi).

Ans:

  1. Plants store energy in the form of starch.
  2. Saturated fats are normally solid at room temperature.
  3. Our muscles, organs, and blood are made up of mostly proteins.
  4. Deficiency diseases cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
  5. Deficiency of Vitamin C causes scurvy.

B. Choose the correct option.

1. Which of these is the simplest form of sugar?

a. Starch

b. Glucose

c. Sugar

d. None of them

2. Which of these are fat-soluble vitamins?

a. Vitamin A and D

b. Vitamin E and K

c. Vitamin C and B complex

d. Both a and b

3. How does water help our body?

a. It helps to transport substances inside the body.

b. It helps to regulate the body temperature.

c. It is needed for various chemical reactions inside the body.

d. All of these

4. Which of these is caused by the deficiency of carbohydrates as well as proteins in the body?

a. Kwashiorkor

b. Scurvy

c. Marasmus

d. Both a. and c.

5. Which of these is needed for strengthening bones and teeth?

a. Calcium

6. Which of the following are sources of starch?

a. Rice and fruits

b. Unsaturated fat

c. Fruits and vegetables

d. Rice and potatoes

7. Ghee is an example of this type of fat.

a. Saturated fat

b. Fruits and vegetables

c. Saturated only at room temperature

d. None of the above

8. Deficiency of this vitamin causes anaemia?

a. Vitamin A

b. Vitamin D

c. Vitamin B2

9. The function of which vitamin is to help blood to clot and control bleeding?

a. Vitamin A

b. Vitamin B

c. Vitamin D

d. Vitamin K

10. Lack of which of the following minerals causes osteoporosis in adults?

a. Iron

b. Calcium

c. Phosphorus

d. Magnesium

Ans:

  1. Which of these is the simplest form of sugar?
    b. Glucose
  2. Which of these are fat-soluble vitamins?
    d. Both a and b (Vitamin A, D, E, and K are all fat-soluble)
  3. How does water help our body?
    d. All of these
  4. Which of these is caused by the deficiency of carbohydrates as well as proteins in the body?
    d. Both a. and c. (Kwashiorkor and Marasmus)
  5. Which of these is needed for strengthening bones and teeth?
    a. Calcium
  6. Which of the following are sources of starch?
    d. Rice and potatoes
  7. Ghee is an example of this type of fat.
    a. Saturated fat
  8. Deficiency of this vitamin causes anaemia?
    c. Vitamin B2 (Also, Vitamin B12 and folic acid are more directly linked to anaemia)
  9. The function of which vitamin is to help blood to clot and control bleeding?
    d. Vitamin K
  10. Lack of which of the following minerals causes osteoporosis in adults?
    b. Calcium

II. Very short answer type questions.

A. Give two examples for the following.

1. Sources of carbohydrates

2. Sources of proteins

3. Foods rich in dietary fibre

4. Rich sources of Vitamin A

5. Rich sources of Vitamin K

6. Deficiency diseases

Ans:

  1. Sources of carbohydrates
    – Rice, Wheat
  2. Sources of proteins
    – Eggs, Pulses
  3. Foods rich in dietary fibre
    – Whole grains, Vegetables
  4. Rich sources of Vitamin A
    – Carrots, Spinach
  5. Rich sources of Vitamin K
    – Broccoli, Cabbage
  6. Deficiency diseases
    – Scurvy, Rickets

B. Give one word for the following.

1. Substances needed by our body for proper growth and healthy body functions

2. A condition caused due to excess body fat

3. Minerals that are needed by the body in larger amounts

4. Diseases caused due to lack of nutrients in the diet over a long period of time

5. A disease caused by lack of iron in the diet

Ans:

  1. Nutrients – Substances needed by our body for proper growth and healthy body functions
  2. Obesity – A condition caused due to excess body fat
  3. Macro-minerals – Minerals that are needed by the body in larger amounts
  4. Deficiency diseases – Diseases caused due to lack of nutrients in the diet over a long period of time
  5. Anaemia – A disease caused by lack of iron in the diet

Class 6 Science Chapter 2 Components of Food Oxford book Solutions

III. Short answer type questions.

1. Define nutrients. List the nutrients present in food.
Answer:
Nutrients are substances in food that are essential for the growth, development, and proper functioning of our body.
The main nutrients present in food are:

  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Fats
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Water
  • Dietary fibre (roughage)

2. Why do we need carbohydrates? Name three sources of carbohydrates in our food.
Answer:
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our body. They help us perform daily activities and bodily functions.
Three sources of carbohydrates are:

  • Rice
  • Potatoes
  • Wheat

3. Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fats.
Answer:

  • Saturated fats: These are solid at room temperature and are mainly found in animal products like butter and ghee.
  • Unsaturated fats: These are liquid at room temperature and are mainly found in plant-based oils like sunflower oil and olive oil.

4. What is a balanced diet? Why is it important to have a balanced diet?
Answer:
A balanced diet is a diet that contains all the essential nutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals—in the right proportion.
It is important because it helps maintain good health, supports growth, provides energy, and protects the body from diseases.

5. What are deficiency diseases? Name any two deficiency diseases and their causes.
Answer:
Deficiency diseases are diseases that occur due to the lack of essential nutrients in the diet over a long period of time.
Examples:

  • Scurvy – caused by the deficiency of Vitamin C
  • Rickets – caused by the deficiency of Vitamin D

IV. Long answer type questions.

Ans:

1. What is a balanced diet? Discuss the different food groups that should be included in a balanced diet.

Answer:
A balanced diet is a diet that includes all the essential nutrients in the right proportions required for the healthy functioning of the body. It provides energy, supports growth, and protects the body from diseases.

A balanced diet should include:

  • Carbohydrates: Main energy-giving food (e.g., rice, wheat, potatoes).
  • Proteins: Body-building food, important for growth and repair (e.g., eggs, pulses, milk).
  • Fats: Provide energy and help absorb certain vitamins (e.g., butter, oil, nuts).
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Protect the body from diseases and maintain proper body functions (e.g., fruits, vegetables, milk).
  • Water: Essential for digestion, temperature regulation, and transport of substances.
  • Roughage (Dietary Fibre): Helps in proper digestion and bowel movement (e.g., whole grains, vegetables).

2. Why are minerals important for the body? Describe the two groups of minerals.

Answer:
Minerals are essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts to perform various important functions like bone formation, blood production, nerve function, and maintaining fluid balance.

The two groups of minerals are:

  • Macro-minerals: Required in larger amounts. Examples:
    • Calcium: For strong bones and teeth
    • Phosphorus: Helps in bone development
    • Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium
  • Micro-minerals (Trace elements): Required in very small amounts. Examples:
    • Iron: Helps in the formation of hemoglobin in blood
    • Iodine: Important for thyroid function
    • Zinc and Fluoride

3. Write a short note on roughage.

Answer:
Roughage, or dietary fibre, is the indigestible part of plant food. Although it does not provide nutrients or energy, it is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Functions of Roughage:

  • Helps in proper bowel movement
  • Prevents constipation
  • Aids in removing waste from the body
  • Keeps the digestive tract healthy

Sources: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

4. What is PEM? List the common symptoms of PEM in children.

Answer:
PEM stands for Protein-Energy Malnutrition. It occurs due to the lack of adequate protein and calories in the diet, especially in growing children.

Common types of PEM:

  • Kwashiorkor – Caused by protein deficiency
  • Marasmus – Caused by both protein and calorie deficiency

Symptoms of PEM in children:

  • Severe weight loss
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Swollen belly (Kwashiorkor)
  • Thin limbs with visible bones (Marasmus)
  • Stunted growth
  • Poor immunity and frequent infections

5. Explain the causes and symptoms of each of the following deficiency diseases:

a. Rickets
Answer:
Cause:

  • Rickets is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate in the diet.
  • It leads to poor absorption of calcium and phosphorus needed for bone development.

Symptoms:

  • Soft and weak bones
  • Bowed legs or knock knees
  • Delayed growth and development
  • Pain in the bones and muscles
  • Dental problems

Prevention:

  • Adequate intake of Vitamin D through sunlight exposure, milk, and fish
  • A balanced diet rich in calcium and phosphorus

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